The mat roller

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device used to aid the rolling up and storage of a water mat or similar material.

BACKGROUND

The popularity of floating recreational water mats, commonly calledfloating mattresses or an “Aqua Lily Pad,” has risen dramatically. Watermats vary in size, but are typically around 5 or 6 feet wide and 18 ormore feet long and 1 to 2 inches thick, making them bulky and difficultto handle, to roll up, and to store. When not in use, water mats aretypically stored in a rolled up position. Water mats are typicallyrolled up by hand for storage and generally require at least two peopleto roll up due to their size. To retain their shape in a rolledposition, straps are typically placed around them when rolled up to keepthem in the rolled position.

There is a need for a mechanism to aid in the rolling up and storage ofa water mat. The present invention is a device for rolling up a watermat that allows for a single person to roll up a water mat after use andallows two people to roll up a water mat with ease. The presentinvention also allows for easier storage of a floating water mat.

The present invention addresses this and other related needs in the art.

SUMMARY

Provided herein in frequent embodiments are devices used to aid therolling up and storage of a water mat or similar material. Such devicesincluding a central core having an effective circumference, a length, arotational axis, and two opposing ends; wherein the central core has afirst end and an open slot extending across at least a majority of thelength; a first handle attached to at least one of the two opposingends; and a cross-bar attached the at least one handle, wherein thecentral core is configured in operable connection with the first handleand the cross-bar to permit the central core to rotate independently ofthe first handle and the cross-bar. Often, the exemplary device furthercomprises a second handle attached the other of the two opposing ends.

Also often, the device further comprised at least one rotationalfacilitation mechanism attached to at least one of the two opposingends, wherein the two opposing ends are closed ends and each of thefirst and second handles are attached to each of the opposing ends.Often the two opposing ends are closed ends.

According to frequent embodiments contemplated herein, a handle may beconnected to the central core or axel with a hinge or other device thatallows the central core to rotate between a position where therotational axis of the central core is perpendicular to a handle and aposition where the rotational axis of the central core is parallel to atleast one handle.

According to frequent embodiments contemplated herein, the device floatsor is buoyant in water. In such embodiments, often the device furthercomprises a flotation device positioned within the central core. Also insuch embodiments, at least a portion of the central core or at least aportion of the handle or at least a portion cross bar comprises a hollowcompartment that is sealed airtight.

In certain embodiments the device further comprises an axel defined bytwo opposing peripheral ends and positioned within at least an interiorportion of the central core, wherein the axel is configured in operableconnection with the cylinder to permit the cylinder to rotate with orabout the axel. Often in such embodiments, the first handle and/or asecond handle if present, is rotatably connected to at least one of thetwo opposing peripheral ends. Also often, the rotatable connection is afixed or releasable connection with the central core. In relatedembodiments, the device frequently includes a rotation facilitationmechanism selected from the group consisting of a wheel, a rotationhandle, a port or attachment point for connection with a separaterotation element, or the like. In often included embodiments, therotation facilitation mechanism comprises a wheel or rotation handle,and the wheel or rotation handle further comprises a wheel spinner.

According to certain frequent embodiments, the device comprises twoaxels, one axel positioned on each end of the central core, wherein theaxels are configured in operable connection with the central core topermit the central core to rotate with or about the axels. Often in suchembodiments, the first handle is rotatably connected to at least aportion of one axel and the second handle is rotatably connected to atleast a portion of the second axel.

Also according to certain frequent embodiments the central corecomprises a cylinder having an outer surface, and wherein the open slotis positioned in the outer surface. Alternatively, in frequentembodiments the central core comprises two or more bars, two or moreparallel sheets, or a combination thereof, defining the open slot and awing structure arranged about the rotational axis, wherein the open slotcomprises an open area between at least two of the two or more bars, twoor more parallel sheets, or a combination thereof.

Often according to the contemplated embodiments a protective material ispositioned on at least a portion of the open slot. Often the protectivematerial comprises plastic, rubber, enamel, ceramic, fabric, silicone,or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

Also contemplated herein are methods of manufacture and methods of usingthe devices contemplated herein.

These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to thefollowing more detailed description of various exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings,described below, are for illustration purposes only.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary central core of an apparatus of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2J depict a variety of embodiments including optional flangeorientation options and central core adaptations.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the shape of a recreational water mat.

FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of the shape of a recreational watermat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detaileddescription of the invention is divided into the subsections thatfollow.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications,published applications and other publications referred to herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forthin this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with adefinition set forth in the patents, applications, publishedapplications and other publications that are herein incorporated byreference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over thedefinition that is incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

As used herein, the term “and/or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” itmay mean “exclusive-or,” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but notall,” it may mean “neither,” and/or it may mean “both.”

As used herein “recreational water mat” or “mat” or “pad” refers to afloating water pad or mattress that has a large and flat surface and isbuoyant in water. Such mats may be inherently buoyant or inflatable.Generally, such mats are rectangular in shape and having a definedthickness. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the general shape of such a recreationalwater mat.

With reference to FIG. 1 , a central core 10 is provided in the form ofa modified cylinder. The length of the central core 10 is generally atleast as wide as a width of a mat to be rolled up. The central core 10includes a slot 12 having a width that spans at least a portion of thelength of the central core. The width of the slot at the central coresurface may be fixed or variable. Often the width of the slot is betweenabout 1 inch to at or about 2 inches. Often the width of the slot islarger, for example, at or about 3 inches, at or about 4 inches, orwider. Generally, however, the width of the slot corresponds to thethickness of the mat to be rolled such that an end of the mat can beinserted into the slot.

The central core includes a flange 11 on each edge of the slot 12 angledinwardly from the outer surface of the central core 10 toward theinterior of the central core 10. In the depicted embodiment two flanges11 are included, one along each edge of the slot 12. Each flangetraverses the entire slot 12. Each flange extends inwardly toward theinterior of the central core to a predetermined length that issufficient to apply a holding force to the mat, without damaging themat. Often the length of the flange is from at or about 1 inch up to thelength of the diameter of the central core when the central core is inthe form of a cylinder. While the flanges defining slot 12 depicted areparallel, one or both of them may be included at converging or opposingangles (FIGS. 2B, 2C). For example, one or both flanges may have aconverging angle such that from a proximal portion of the length alongthe exterior of the central core to a distal portion of the length lyingwithin the interior of the central core, the flanges become closertogether (FIGS. 2D, 2H, 2I). This defines a converging wedge shape slot(FIGS. 2D, 2H, 2I). Alternatively, one or both flanges may have anopposing angle such that from a proximal portion of the length along theexterior of the central core to a distal portion of the length lyingwithin the interior of the central core, the flanges become furtherapart (FIG. 2E). This defines a diverging wedge shape slot (FIG. 2E).Alternatively, the flanges are parallel, but each flange 11 is angled ina direction angled away from the center of the central core to form afull or partial chord within the central core (FIGS. 2B, 2C).

In certain embodiments one or both flanges may incorporate a protectivematerial, such as plastic, rubber, enamel, ceramic, fabric, or silicone,to protect the mat from damage. Similarly, in certain embodiments one orboth flanges may incorporate a docking material that imparts a frictionforce on the mat when inserted or removed from the slot. Also similarly,in certain embodiments one or both flanges may incorporate a dockingmaterial that imparts and reduces friction force applied to the mat wheninserted or removed from the slot. Generally, the minimum depth of theslot is provided to impart a mechanical grip on the mat when a rollingprocess is begun so the mat will not slip out of the slot as the rollingprocess continues.

While the central core of the apparatus is depicted as a slottedcylinder, a variety of types of central cores can be utilized. Forexample, the central cores may be comprised of a cage or supportstructure having, for example, two or more bars/supports spanning thelength of the central core (FIGS. 2F-2J). Some of these types ofarrangements falling within the scope of the present disclosure includethe following. For example, bars or supports may be connected in acircle or approximating a basic cylinder shape (including pentagon,hexagon, octagon, etc. shapes) around a central axis (14); multiplesupports arranged in a single plane adapted around a central axis;multiple supports arranged in two or more planes (e.g., parallel,converging, diverging) adapted around a central axis; a flange apparatusfor holding an end of the mat along with a support for supporting themat when rolled around a central axis. In this regard, useful adaptionshave been found to include features such as a mechanism to hold/supportthe end of the mat (i.e., flange), in addition to a portion or supportfor easing the rolling process by supporting the mat in an area adjacentto the mechanism to hold/support the end of the mat. FIGS. 2F-2J arepresented to depicts some exemplary arrangements of these embodiments,which specify an adapted version of a flange (11 a), having at least oneslot (12, 12 a). Some embodiments such as those depicted in FIGS. 2F,2G, and 2J, include two or more slots (12, 12 a), thereby providing theoption for positioning of an end of the mat in either slot (12, 12 a).In these embodiments, the flange and slot may be adapted with thephysical orientations contemplated herein.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary indication of the depth (D) of an exemplaryslot. Such depth can be seen in the remainder of the FIG. 2 examples,while it is not specifically labeled as such. Such depth may be referredto herein in connection with slot depth or flange length.

As also depicted in the various FIG. 2 embodiments, an effectivecircumference (R′) is identified. In the depicted embodiments having acylinder as the central core (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2E), the effectivecircumference is the outer portion of the cylinder. In otherembodiments, such as those that include supports or bars as depicted inFIGS. 2F-2J, the effective circumference is the outermost point of thesupport/bar in a circular plane around an axis of rotation.

Relatedly, in certain frequent embodiments the central core is comprisedof substantially parallel bars (not depicted), or opposing bars where atleast one edge of the bars is substantially parallel. Alternatively, forexample, the central core is comprised of parallel sheets, a bar and asheet, or other arrangement, defining a slot and a wing structure. Theslot is adapted to accept an end of the mat and the wing structure isadapted to provide support to the mat when rolled/unrolled from thecentral core. The width of the slot corresponds to slots describedherein. The wing structure is provided to include additional leverage asthe rolling process begins and acts as an initial support structure forthe first wrap of the mat around the central core. After the first wrapof the mat around the central core, each additional wrap is supported bythe preceding wrap.

As depicted in FIG. 3 , the central core 10 has a closed end 13 on eachend having an axel 14 on each end that extends outwardly from the endsof the central core 10. In certain embodiments the axel extends withinthe central core along the longitudinal axis of the central core and islonger that the central core and extends outwardly from the central coreon at least one end. In other embodiments, the axel does not extend theentire length of the central core, but a portion of an axel is fixedlyattached to each end of the central core extending outwardly from end ofthe central core. A handle portion 15 having a cross bar 16 is attachedto at least one peripheral end region of the axel. This attachment maybe at the peripheral end or in the end region but not at the peripheralend of the axel. Alternatively, this attachment may be at the peripheralend of the axel. If the axel does not extend outside of the central corethe attachment is often within a peripheral end region of the centralcore or a closed end of the central core. In any event, this attachmentis adapted to provide for rotation of the central core along itslongitudinal axis relative to the handle portion without interferingwith winding/rolling and unwinding/unrolling of a contemplated mataround the central core. The handle portion 15 extends outwardly fromthe central core and is connected to the axle(s) or the central core ina manner that allows the axle(s) and central core to rotate without thehandle rotating. Generally, the cross bar portion 16 is positionedoutwardly from the central core at a length (L) sufficient to permit amat to be rolled up within this length, between the central core 10 andthe cross bar 16, and also at a length (L) sufficient for the cross barportion 16 to apply slight pressure to the mat while completely rolledup so it will not unroll by itself. In any of the embodiments depictedherein, the central core may be equipped with a rope or receiver for arope or other device to aid in the insertion of the mat into the centralcore.

When it comes to attachment of the handle with the central core, atleast three sets of embodiments are contemplated. In one set ofembodiments, the handle is attached to the axel and the central corerotates around the axel. In another set of embodiments, the handle isattached to the axel and the central core rotates together with theaxel. In another set of embodiments, the central core rotates relativeto the handle without regard to the presence of an axel or attachment ofthe handle with an axel (if present). A variety of configurations arecontemplated for either set of embodiments. For example, in frequentembodiments the rotating components are attached using a loose fitting.In other embodiments sealed bearings are utilized. With regard to theloose fitting, this arrangement is often a metal bracket with the axelfreely rotating within the bracket. Friction-reducing materials ormechanisms may be employed to reduce rolling resistance but areoptional.

An optional latch mechanism (not depicted) may be included that can beopened or closed permitting the central core to either rotate around theaxel and/or handle(s) or be secured from rotation. In certainembodiments this latch mechanism is separate or provided as a ratchetthat permits rotation of the central core in one direction of rotationbut prohibits rotation in the opposite direction. Such a mechanism aidsin inhibiting unrolling of a mat while a rolling operation isundertaken, which can be very useful in the wet environments typical ofsuch mat use. Such a latch or ratchet may be releasable such that thecentral core can freely rotate when the latch or ratchet is disengaged.

Also optionally, the handle and cross bar portions are removable, forexample, to permit easy insertion of the mat into the slot or releasefrom the slot. Also optionally, the axel(s) are removable to permit easyinsertion of the mat into the slot or release from the slot.

While the handle and cross-bar are described as separate items, it isspecifically contemplated that the handle and cross-bar may comprise asingle element or mechanism, for example, a single contiguous bar maycomprise both the handle and cross-bar. The handle may also be fittedwith an additional handle or gripping mechanism to allow the user easiergrip of the handle with one hand. The cross-bar may be constructed of adifferent material than the rest of the apparatus and may be flexible,comprised of rope, bungee cord material or the like.

As depicted in FIG. 4 , an optional rotational facilitation mechanism 17may be included with each of the embodiments contemplated here. Thisrotational facilitation mechanism 17 includes an area attached to thecentral core (including alternatively, the axel, outer end, or anotherpart) that is configured to be gripped by a user of the apparatus androtated to thereby rotate the central core or axel and central core.This mechanism is adapted to not interfere with the mat being rolled orunrolled onto or off of the central core. This mechanism is also adaptedto provide enhanced or eased grip and control over the rotationalaspects of the central core and/or to enhance the leverage over therotational aspects of the central core the apparatus by a user. Thismechanism also, like the central core, is configured to rotateindependently of the handle and cross-bar and also facilitate co-use ofthe rotational facilitation mechanism along with the handle or cross-barby the user while maneuvering, rolling a mat or unrolling a mat. Avariety of implementations in this regard are contemplated. For example,a wheel mechanism such as that depicted in FIGS. 4 & 5 may be includedon one or both peripheral ends of the central core that allows the userto easily grip and rotate the central core and/or axel in order to rollup the mat. Alternatively, one of more grips such as a wheel spinner(19) is incorporated in operable connection with the rotationalfacilitation mechanism (17) to aid in rolling and unrolling a mat to orfrom the device. Alternatively, one or more grips (not depicted) mayextend from one or both peripheral ends of the central core. These gripsmay be grasped by the user and used to rotate the central core.

For clarity, it is observed that in often included embodiments thecentral core and the axel are fixedly attached such that they rotatetogether. In such an embodiment, the handle is attached to the axel(s)in a way that allows the central core and axel(s) to rotateindependently from the handle and cross-bar. Most often the handle isattached to the axel using a loose fitting such as a bracket fitting,with the bracket comprised in or attached fixedly to the handle, and theaxel, or other related element of the axel or central core, passingthough the bracket and permitted to freely rotate within the bracket,apart from any optional ratchet or latch mechanism.

In another embodiment, the central core lacks an axel. In suchembodiments, often the central core is rotatably mounted on twoperipheral ends (e.g., closed ends (13)). Most often the handle isattached to the central core using a loose fitting such as a bracketfitting, with the bracket comprised in or attached fixedly to thehandle, and a rotating element of the central core passing though thebracket and permitted to freely rotate within the bracket, apart fromany optional ratchet or latch mechanism. In other embodiments, a bearingrace is mounted between the central core and each of the two peripheralends and the central core rotates independently of the position of eachof the two peripheral ends. This embodiment may be used with each otherembodiment adaptation described herein.

In certain embodiments, cross bar 16 is translatably secured to thehandle(s) 15 such that its position L can be adjusted along direction R,either closer to the central core or further from the central core. Themovable securing of the cross bar may incorporate a latch on one or morehandles that can be actuated to be fixed at a specific position L alongdirection R or moved between different positions L along direction R.This latch may be a friction fitting, a step fitting, or the like thatcan be actuated using the cross-bar or a separate actuating mechanism.Such movement permits the cross bar to be clamped down on a rolled matto maintain a tight roll around the central core. The cross bar may alsobe translatably secured to the handle(s) by a spring mechanism such thatit can provide force on the mat as it is rolled up to keep it fromunrolling. In certain related embodiments the cross-bar is shaped, orincorporates a closure element, to provide an enhanced grip or a largersurface area of pressure on a mat rolled around the central core. Inthis sense, in such embodiments, the cross-bar may not be a central coreor bar as depicted in FIGS. 3-5 , but instead has a different shape orportions of it have a different shape such as a circle sector acurvature corresponding to a radius about equal to a radius of thecentral core plus length L, while accounting for any movement alongdirection R toward or away from the center of the central core.

Generally, the cross-bar permits the mat to be rolled around the centralcore and secured against unwinding or unrolling from the device withoutthe use of an additional strap wrapped around the circumference of themat. Therefore, generally the presently contemplated embodiments fullyfunction without the need for an additional strap. In this regard, whenthe mat is rolled around the central core, it is often retained bypressure by the cross-bar, or component thereof. As noted, the cross-barmay include physical features or independently operating mechanismsconfigured to interact with a rolled mat and apply pressure to the matwhen wound around the central core on the apparatus. In one set ofembodiments, the operation of the cross-bar to apply pressure to therolled mat also actuates the central core to be secured on the axel toprevent rotation around the axel. A lever or pully system positioned inor on the cross-bar and/or handle, operably connected with a gear or thelike positioned on or within the central core or closed outer end isoften used provide such releasable securing of the central core on theaxel.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a motor that isconfigured to rotate the central core around the axel in an automated oractuatable matter. The handle and cross-bar may be provided to aidhandling of the apparatus while the motor actuates the rolling of thecentral core. While the motor may be positioned fully interior to thecentral core, it may also be a configured to be permanently or removablyattached to the handle or cross-bar and connected to the central corethrough a pully, chain, or gear systems or the like. Such a connectionwill often involve a mechanical, pressure, or magnetic connection withthe axel and/or the one or both closed end(s). This connection permitsthe central core to be rotated by action of the motor independently ofthe handle. While the term “motor” is used herein it is intended to benon-limiting and refers to an apparatus capable of applying acentrifugal force to the central core relative to the axel. Electric,mechanical, solar, gas, liquid, pump, magnetic, combustion, or othermeans may be employed to power such an “motor.”

In other certain embodiments, the central core includes a pressuretransducer that is configured to rotate the central core around the axel(or around the handle) when a pressure is applied, for example, using apump.

The apparatus is generally formed of materials that maintain structuralintegrity and resist corrosion under the exposure to both fresh waterand salt water. A coating such as paint, enamel, rubber, plastic, fabric(woven or non-woven), silicone, or the like may be included oncomponents of the apparatus that are to be exposed to water. Such acoating may be protective from mechanical or chemical damage. Such acoating may also provide enhanced water shedding properties to theapparatus such as through a hydrophobic coating. The most preferredmaterials are light and strong such that a fully formed apparatus can beheld and operated by hand by one or two operators. Plastic, Aluminum,thermoplastic, wood, carbon fiber, graphite, sheet metal, or the likeare materials often contemplated according to the present embodiments.In certain embodiments, a fabric or other material is provided over astructural exoskeleton to provide an apparatus of the presentdisclosure.

In certain frequent embodiments, the apparatus is buoyant or a buoyantmechanism or material is utilized to impart buoyancy to the deviceoverall such that the entire device will float in water. In certainembodiments the apparatus is comprised of or includes one or morebuoyant materials such that the apparatus is capable of floating. Forexample, buoyant material may be fitted within the central core tocreate sufficient air pockets to permit the apparatus to float by itselfin water when a mat is not mounted to the apparatus. Also, in certainembodiments the central core defines a water-tight sealed hollowinterior. This water-tight sealed hollow interior provides sufficientbuoyancy to the device to permit it to float by itself in water when amat is not mounted to the apparatus. Also for example, material may befitted on or in the handle and/or cross-bar and or the rotationalfacilitation mechanism that aid with the flotation of the apparatus.

In certain frequent embodiments, the apparatus may be removably mountedto a boat or dock or other structure. For example, a boat or dock may befit with at least one recessed receiver that may be aligned with atleast one handle and configured for receiving a handle such that atleast a portion of a handle can slide in and out of the receiver with orwithout a mat rolled up on the apparatus. In this manner, the apparatusmay be removably attached to a boat or dock and used to roll up a matwhile attached to a boat or dock and without being lifted and held up bythe users. In such embodiments, the length of the handle be adjustableto permit the user to vary the distance between the central core and theboat or dock. Such embodiments provide numerous advantages. For example,such embodiments allow a user to insert the apparatus into a recessedreceiver(s)s on the back of a boat, roll up the mat after use, andoperate the boat with the mat and apparatus remaining removably attachedto the boat. Once at a destination, the mat and apparatus may be removedfor storage or the mat may be unrolled for further use and the apparatusremoved for storage in a different location.

The central core is depicted in FIGS. 1 & 3-5 as a flat surface.However, it is specifically contemplated herein that the central corehas physical surface texture or features. Such texture or features mayinclude embossing or apertures in the surface of the central core. Theseadaptations are often provided to decrease the weight of the apparatusand/or enhance the structural rigidity of the central core. Enhancingthe rigidity of the central core is often advantageous when using basematerials that have a lower inherent rigidity or structural integrity,or when using particularly thin sheets/layers of material such asplastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, graphite, or sheet metal as the outersurface of the central core. The central core may also have a surfacethat is not flat, but textured in a way to provide a frictional force tothe mat in order to aid in rolling the mat. In other frequentembodiments, the apparatus may comprise at least one fitting attached tothe cross bar or handle that may be inserted into a recessed receiver ona boat or dock or other structure so the apparatus may be removablyattached to a boat or dock or other structure and used to roll up a matwhile attached to a boat or dock and without being lifted and held up bythe users.

With regard to FIGS. 6 & 7 , these depict the general shape of a commonrecreational water mat as contemplated herein. A top plan view isdepicted in FIG. 6 and a side plan view is depicted in FIG. 7 . This ismerely for exemplary purposes and is not intended to be limiting to anyspecific configuration of a recreational water mat, apart from it beingwider and longer than it is thick. In FIG. 6 mat 20 has a side edges 22a/22 b and end edges 21 a/21 b (also referred to here as leading andtrailing edges, with the leading end edge being the end edge insertedinto the central core of the present disclosure). The mat is defined bya length “L” and width “W.” In FIG. 7 mat 20 has a top surface 23 and abottom surface 24 and is defined by a thickness “T.” The mat as rolledaround an exemplary central core or apparatus of the present disclosureit not depicted. A mat may or may not have curved corners.

The above examples are included for illustrative purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations tothose described above are possible. Since modifications and variationsto the examples described above will be apparent to those of skill inthis art, it is intended that this invention be limited only by thescope of the appended claims.

Citation of the above publications or documents is not intended as anadmission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nor does itconstitute any admission as to the contents or date of thesepublications or documents.

We claim:
 1. A device used to aid the rolling up and storage of a watermat or similar material comprising: a central core having an effectivecircumference, a length, a rotational axis, and two opposing ends;wherein the central core has a first end and an open slot extendingacross at least a majority of the length; a first handle in rotatableconnection with the central core; and a cross-bar attached to the atleast one handle, wherein the central core is configured in operableconnection with the first handle and the cross-bar to permit the centralcore to rotate independently of the first handle and the cross-bar. 2.The device of claim 1, further comprising a second handle attached theother of the two opposing ends.
 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, furthercomprising at least one rotational facilitation mechanism attached to atleast one of the two opposing ends, wherein the two opposing ends areclosed ends and each of the first and second handles are attached toeach of the opposing ends.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the twoopposing ends are closed ends.
 5. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a rotatable mounting element configured to provide arotatable attachment between the central core and the first handle orthe first handle and the second handle. handle.
 6. The device of claim1, wherein the cross-bar is attached to the first and second handle. 7.The device of claim 6, wherein the cross-bar is movably attached to thefirst and second handle such that it can be moved along a length of eachof the first and second handle and retained at different positions alongthe length of each of the first and second handle.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising the recreational water mat, wherein an endof the recreational water mat is inserted within the open slot and therecreational water mat is rolled about the central core.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the open slot is of uniform width or wedge-shaped.10. The device of claim 1, wherein the roller is buoyant in water. 11.The device of claim 10, further comprising a flotation device positionedwithin the central core.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein at least aportion of the central core, handle, or cross-bar comprises a hollowcompartment that is sealed airtight.
 13. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising an axel defined by two opposing peripheral ends andpositioned within at least an interior portion of the central core,wherein the axel is configured in operable connection with the centralcore to permit the central core to rotate with or about the axel. 14.The device of claim 13, wherein the first handle is rotatably connectedto at least one of the two opposing peripheral ends.
 15. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising an axel defined by two opposing peripheralends and attached to or formed on each of the two opposing ends of thecentral core, wherein the axel is configured in operable connection withthe central core to permit the central core to rotate with or about theaxel.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable connection is afixed or releasable connection with the central core.
 17. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a rotation facilitation mechanism selectedfrom the group consisting of a wheel, a rotation handle, a port orattachment point for connection with a separate rotation element, or thelike.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the rotation facilitationmechanism comprises a wheel or rotation handle, and further comprises awheel spinner.
 19. The device of claim 1, wherein the central corecomprises a cylinder having an outer surface, and wherein the open slotis positioned in the outer surface.
 20. The device of claim 1, whereinthe central core comprises two or more bars, two or more parallelsheets, or a combination thereof, defining the open slot and a wingstructure arranged about the rotational axis, wherein the open slotcomprises an open area between at least two of the two or more bars, twoor more parallel sheets, or a combination thereof.
 21. The device ofclaim 1, wherein a protective material is positioned on at least aportion of the open slot, wherein the protective material comprisesplastic, rubber or silicone.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein theprotective material comprises plastic, rubber, enamel, ceramic, fabric,silicone, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.
 23. A methodof rolling a recreational water mat, comprising inserting a mat into theopen slot of the device of claim 1 and rotating the central core aboutthe axel.